For centuries, children have enjoyed spending snowy winter days outdoors sledding down hills. Today sledding has become such a popular winter pastime, ski resorts have even incorporated downhill tubing into their snow play offerings and independent tubing parks have cropped up in many areas that typically get lots of seasonal snow.

Fortunately today, sledding and snow tubing can also be done a little safer. Years ago, the thought of wearing appropriate protective gear would be scoffed at, but today we know it can make the difference between life and death should an accident occur.

Before you agree to let the kids go sledding, keep these safety tips in mind:

1. Dress appropriately.

It' s a lot of work lugging a sled up and down a hill. Dressing in layers can help your child stay comfortable. Opting for thermal underwear, a hat, gloves, neck and face covering, along with outer layers that are wind and water resistant can help keep your child dry and warm. Be sure to choose well fitting boots with good traction and wool, instead of cotton socks.

2. Wear protective gear.

Insisting your child wear a helmet could mean the difference between a minor and major injury should an accident occur. Other protective gear may include elbow and knee pads, goggles and sunscreen.

3. Choose the right sled.

While a saucer shaped sled may look like fun, choosing a sled that you can steer may be safer if your child is able to independently maneuver it.

4. Pick an appropriate location.

When choosing your sledding location, chose a safe, open path that is appropriate for your child's age and skill level. Avoid paths with trees, uneven terrain, ice, sparse snow, short paths and paths that end near a road, lake or other potential hazard.

5. Set clear rules.

Set strict safety rules, including:

one person per sled (except children under 5 who should sled with an adult)

sled forward facing only

wait at the top until the previous person completely clears the bottom and

no sledding into snow banks.

While sledding can be a fun way to enjoy the winter weather, it can be more enjoyable for everyone if the kids are well protected and prepared for safe fun.

With her background as an International Nanny Association Credentialed Nanny specializing in caring for multiples, Michelle has been partnering with parents in raising their children since 1994.

With her extensive experience in newborn, infant and child care, and with her passion for setting herself apart from her peers by providing top-notch service, Michelle is regularly called on by the most popular parenting magazines and websites to share her knowledge and expertise. She has been featured on Parents.com, Parenting.com, and BabyTalk.com and regularly contributes to ModernMom.com, Mumtastic.com, and other popular parenting websites.

Michelle has contributed to TWINS Magazine and wrote a chapter for the best-selling Experts' Guide to the Baby Years. Michelle has also authored four books of her own entitled, Nanny to the Rescue!, Nanny to the Rescue Again!, Working Mum's 411 and A Mum's Ultimate Book of Lists. She also co-authored Beyond Parenting Basics: The International Nanny Association’s Official Guide to In-Home Child Care.

Michelle is an active member of the nanny and baby planner communities. In 2004, Michelle was honored as the International Nanny Association Nanny of the Year> and received accolades from President George Bush for her dedication to improving quality in-home child care. Michelle serves on the advisory board of the International Academy of Baby Planner Professionals and has served on the board of directors and as vice president of the International Nanny Association. She has also served as the executive director of the International Nanny Association and as a trainer for The Academy of Coaching Parents International.

Michelle currently serves as the editor in chief of Longhorn Leads, managing the content across their portfolio of care related sites including www.eNannySource.com, www.GoNannies.com, www.NannyPro.com, and www.4Nannies.com, in addition to serving as the executive director of Morningside Nannies, the company’s award-winning placement agency.

Michelle is a national speaker, bringing a message of hope and empowerment to mums groups across the nation. She and her husband Jeff, reside on Cape Cod with their daughter, Abigail, and their son, Luke.